Talanoa

Auckland's second measles case confirmed: AUT student

An Auckland University of Technology (AUT) student has been confirmed as the second case of measles in the Auckland region this year.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) say the student has likely caught the infectious disease on the Singapore Airlines Flight SQ285 on February 22 from Singapore to Auckland.

ARPHS' medical team are working closely with AUT to identify and contact people who may have been in classes with the student and verify each person's immunity.

The student, while infectious, was also walking around the central business district on March 1 to 6; and the Albany Westfield Shopping Centre on March 6 between 12pm and 4pm.

People are advised that there is a chance of exposure to the disease if a person came into contact or close promixity with the student.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Josephine Herman is urging people to be vigilant and check your vaccination status.

If you haven't been vaccinated, and you've come into contact with the student, ARPHS is advising that you are required to stay at home in quarantine to prevent the disease spreading.

"I urge Aucklanders to protect themselves against measles by getting vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is free from your GP. Please phone your general practice to discuss whether your vaccinations are up to date," says Dr Herman.

"Measles is very easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing or simply walking past someone who is infected and breathing their contaminated air. If one person has measles, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected," she says.

Measles is a highly infectious disease which can have serious complications for children and adults.

Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sore eyes, fever, a raised red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.

If you have symptoms immediately visit your doctor or call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.

The Ministry of Health advise that measles can be life threatening. Anyone born before 1969 is likely to be immune to the disease without having had the vaccine.